tech
March 3, 2026
Clueless Cops Post Seized Crypto Wallet Password, $5M Quickly Stolen
South Korean police deeply apologized for preventable loss of seized funds.
TL;DR
- South Korean police seized $5.6 million worth of cryptocurrency from 124 tax evaders.
- Images posted in a press release mistakenly revealed the mnemonic recovery phrase for a cold wallet.
- A thief used the recovery phrase to steal approximately $4.8 million worth of PRTG tokens.
- The press release images were published without redacting the sensitive recovery phrase.
- The National Tax Service has apologized and launched an investigation to trace the funds.
- Previous incidents of crypto losses by South Korean police suggest potential security lapses.
- Officials are reportedly strengthening internal controls and training to prevent future leaks.
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